Subject: Mixed metaphors

Mixed metaphors:

A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. A mixed metaphor is the use of two or more unrelated metaphors that are incongruous or illogical when combined. Here are some mixed metaphors we’ve seen and heard.

Bury it under the carpet

He's been burning the midnight oil at both ends.

English sports commentator

We need to look the 800-pound gorilla in the mouth

The team must try to get their ship back on the road.

England football player

I can read him like the back of my book.

We need to get a vacuum cleaner and hose him down.

You need more sugar to get your brain circulating.

The squeeky wheel gets the worm.

I want to see you go to town like a house of fire.

The monkey is in your court.

A stitch in time is worth a pound of cure.

War is hell on wheels.

He’s one brick short of the whole nine yards.

I can see the light at the end of the rainbow.

We're cooking on all four cylinders.

A salesman told viewers that a keyboard would teach your mind's eye to play by ear.

Fewer and fewer in between

I was so excited my heart about fell out of my stomach!

The promise of the world’s first low-carbon Olympic flame has gone up in smoke.

You can't pull the wool out from under my nose!

We should continue to ride the horse that brings in the gravy.